Diabetes management for seniors poses unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Some of these issues are a lack of adequate health insurance, the lack of social support, poor nutrition, and lack of transportation to medical appointments.
Limited Health Insurance and Money
Diabetic seniors require a full range of medical services, such as doctor visits, health specialists, medications, and supplies to keep their diabetes under control. One option is Medicare Part D, which can help pay for prescription drugs for seniors who have Medicare. Seniors with diabetes may be also be able to receive discounted medical care at local clinics and health care centers.
You may speak with your health care providers about reduced rates, arrange payment plans to help minimize monthly medical bills, and ask for sample medications, before costly presciptions are filled at the pharmacy. Also, speak with a representative at a local senior center who may have additional resources to help pay for your diabetic care.
Lack of social support
A diabetic senior may experience isolation because close relatives have relocated or have busy schedules with school, child care, and work. Join a local senior program at your senior center and have fun playing chess, exploring crafts, and hearing information from experts on various topics of interest to you. Plus, you can discuss your lifestyle issues with compatible individuals.
If physical limitations prevent you from exploring outside activities, you may sign up with volunteer agencies offering virtual volunteers who provide weekly telephone calls. For instance, the virtual volunteer may call you and discuss how you are feeling and your family. This can give you the motivation to monitor your diabetes.
Lack of Transportation
Diabetic senior patients require transportation for medical appointments, to pick up prescriptions, and to visit senior centers. Sometimes public transportation is not available in your area. Community-sponsored senior transportation may be offered at a reduced rate, and you can contact your local government agency for additional help. Here's a link to try: Healthy Seniors.
Poor Nutrition and Diabetic Seniors
Diabetes management includes proper nutrition to help your blood sugar levels. You can speak with your doctor about a referral to a registered dietitian who can come to your home and provide nutritional support. He/she can create an individualized nutritional plan to help you receive your adequate daily intake, based on a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Also, he/she can provide follow-up nutritional care and detailed reports to your doctor. This is important if you are taking insulin and need the dosage changed.
As a diabetic senior you may face greater challenges in managing your care, but with a combination of planning and reseach, it is possible to keep you a healthy senior.